Biggest January Transfer Rumours So Far; Chelsea, United And Arsenal All Feature

It’s now less than three weeks until the January window opens, the time when managers can make their last alterations to their squads before May. This year’s Premier League has been spectacular and with it being so tight I’d expect plenty of movement in January as four teams have a realistic chance of winning the title.

Barcelona spent most of their summer trying to seal the signature of the eccentric Brazilian and it is reported that they are lining up a £29m bid for the defender in January. Luiz has missed several weeks with a knee injury but returned to the starting line-up last night in Chelsea’s one nil win over Steaua Buceresti. Judging Mourinho’s selection before his injury it is clear that he prefers Gary Cahill and John Terry at the heart of his backline, suggesting that a sizeable bid from Barca could well be accepted by the blues. Luiz has only featured in five league games this season, three of those he has been booked in and two have been defeats. If the fee is substantial a move could be great for both parties.

According to reports French moneybags AS Monaco have been in contact with Vincent Kompany’s agent to hold initial talks over a potential move this January. The media have been suggesting a figure of around £17m which would surely be dismissed straight away by Manuel Pellegrini. The 27-year-old has missed the majority of the season due to several injuries but is back now and looking to turn around City’s worrying away form. This transfer story looks like a rumour at best but considering the wealth of Dmitry Rybolovlev no player is out of his price range.

Stephan El Shaarawy

El Shaarawy lit up Serie A last season and at the halfway stage was the league’s top scorer, however this season has been extremely frustrating for the 21-year-old who has only just returned to action from a serious metatarsal fracture. His return to league action has only been from the bench due to the resurgence of Kaka and doubts remain whether he can regain his place with Keisuke Honda agreeing a move to Milan in January. The talented winger will have to be playing regularly for club to cement his place in Italy’s world cup squad next summer and will be keen for first team opportunities. It is believed that the Italian would cost around £25m but a loan deal has been rumoured a possibility; Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool have all been linked with the winger over the last few months.

Erik Lamela

Andre-Villas Boas is considering loaning out Tottenham’s record signing Erik Lamela to Atletico Madrid in January. The ex-Roma man has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and negotiations have begun over a short term deal which would see him return to Spurs in the summer. This does seem feasible but if Atletico did secure Lamela this would surely enable them to cash in on Koke who could well end up in the Premier League against Tottenham. Having only scored once there will be pressure on Lamela to perform at a higher level as the fans will want to see a return for the money spent in the summer. Personally I don’t think a loan will benefit him greatly, the player just needs reassurance from his manager and given time to settle into completely new surroundings in London. The attacking midfielder is only 21 and as many of you will be aware a lot of foreign signings take a season until they start performing at their top level.